Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What are SUN Bucks?
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), is intended to help families in California buy food during the summer months when school is closed and works just like CalFresh. Children can get SUN Bucks if they qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application, or if they get CalFresh, CalWORKs, and/or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level [FPL]).
Who is eligible for SUN Bucks?
Most children are eligible for SUN Bucks if:
- They qualify based on household size and income for free or reduced-price school meals; or
- They get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level), including homeschooled children ages 6 – 18 years.
How do I get SUN Bucks?
If your child qualifies, based on household size and income, for free or reduced-price meals, or gets CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level), they will automatically be enrolled in SUN Bucks. You don't need to do anything to sign up. You will get your SUN Bucks on an EBT card in the mail.
Families with children ages 0-22 who qualify for free or reduced-price meals and do not get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (certified at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level) can submit a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application at their child's school by August 31, 2026 to see if they qualify for SUN Bucks in 2026 based on household size and income. To check if your child is eligible, ask your child's school for a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application. You can view a template version of the Universal Benefits Application on the California Department of Education webpage.
Do not submit Universal Benefits Applications directly to the Department of Education or Department of Social Services. These forms must be processed by your child's school to establish eligibility for SUN Bucks. If you are unable to submit a UBA to your child's school site, ask the district how to submit the application.
Eligibility and Application Questions
Can my child get SUN Bucks?
Visit the Who is Eligible page. You may also use the SUN Bucks Eligibility Tool* to help evaluate your child’s potential eligibility (*note: This tool is neither owned nor maintained by the California Department of Social Services. This tool is for informational purposes only and is not an eligibility determination).
How do I know if I need to apply for SUN Bucks?
Your child will automatically get SUN Bucks if they get CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal (with household income certified at or under 185% of FPL). In addition, children receiving free or reduced-price school meals, or identified by their school as in foster care, homeless, migrant or runaway, will also automatically get SUN Bucks. If your child does not meet any of these conditions, you should apply. If you are unsure about your child’s eligibility, apply to make sure that you do not miss out.
Does getting free school meals qualify my child for SUN Bucks?
No, not necessarily. Without an approved school meal application, getting free school meals alone does not qualify your child for SUN Bucks. In California, the Universal Meals Program (UMP) provides school meals at no cost to all school age children, regardless of their free or reduced-price meal eligibility. You can learn about the SUN Bucks eligibility categories by visiting the Who is Eligible page.
How do I apply for SUN Bucks?
You must submit the application directly to your child’s school on or before August 31, 2026 to be considered for SUN Bucks 2026. Applications turned in after August 31 will only be considered for SUN Bucks 2027.
What if I have questions about applying for SUN Bucks?
You can contact your child’s school or school district for SUN Bucks application questions.
How do I submit a dispute about my child's eligibility to get SUN Bucks?
To submit a dispute, call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
What if I submit the application after the deadline?
All applications after the deadline will only be considered for the following year’s SUN Bucks benefits. If you submit your application after August 31, 2026, it will only be considered for SUN Bucks 2027.
Card Mailing and Address Related Questions
When will I get my SUN Bucks card?
SUN Bucks 2026 cards will begin arriving in the mail May 2026 until card mailings are complete. Cards for different children or families may arrive at different times. For more information, see the SUN Bucks Card Mailing Schedule (2026) on the How to Get SUN Bucks page.
What if I don't have an address?
For families without an address, your card will arrive at your local county office or your child’s school for distribution.
What if my address has recently changed?
You should contact your local county office and the child’s school to update the address as soon as possible.
What if my SUN Bucks card went to an old address?
If you think your SUN Bucks card was sent to your old address, call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
What if I didn't get my SUN Bucks card?
The deadline to apply for SUN Bucks for summer 2026 is August 31, 2026. SUN Bucks cards are mailed to eligible children beginning in May until mailings are complete. If you submit a school meal application or Universal Benefits Application to your child's school before August 31 and are eligible, you will get a SUN Bucks card in the mail. If your child's school says that your child is eligible, but you do not get a SUN Bucks card by November 30, you may call the SUN Bucks helpline at (877) 328-9677 to ask about the status of your card.
What if I got multiple cards for the same child?
Each eligible child can only get SUN Bucks from one state and only get one $120 benefit during the same year. If you receive multiple or duplicate SUN Bucks cards for the same child, call (877)-328-9677 to report this error and destroy the extra cards. If you misuse SUN Bucks benefits on purpose, you may be responsible for repaying the benefits and you may be subject to applicable state and federal laws (7 CFR § 292.27).
SUN Bucks Usage Questions
How Much SUN Bucks will I get?
Each eligible child gets one SUN Bucks card with $120 during the same year. If your family has multiple eligible children, each child will get $120 on a SUN Bucks card under their name.
How do I set up my PIN?
Once you get the SUN Bucks card, set up your PIN as soon as possible by using the free ebtEDGE mobile app, or visiting www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/, or calling the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877)328-9677. Note: You must set up a PIN before using your SUN Bucks.
Where can I use SUN Bucks?
You can use the SUN Bucks card like a debit card at most grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and online at retailers like Amazon and Walmart. When paying, choose “EBT”, either swipe the card for in-store purchase or enter the card number for online purchase, and enter your PIN.
What can I buy with SUN Bucks?
You can use SUN Bucks to buy food including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat, dairy, etc.
What can I not buy with SUN Bucks?
You cannot use SUN Bucks for hot foods, pet foods, cleaning or household supplies, personal hygiene items, or medicine.
How long do I have to use my SUN Bucks?
You must use your SUN Bucks within 122 days from the date when funds are loaded on the card. Any unused money on your card after 122 days will expire and cannot be put back on your card. To learn how to manage your SUN Bucks card, download the free ebtEDGE mobile app or visit www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/.
Can my expunged SUN Bucks benefits be replaced?
No, expired SUN Bucks benefits cannot be replaced. Any unused money after 122 days will be lost and cannot be put back on your card.
What if I lost my SUN Bucks card?
If you lose your card, you can freeze the card and protect your benefits by using the free ebtEDGE mobile app or visiting www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/. To get a replacement card, call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
What if I need to change my PIN?
To change your PIN, download the free ebtEDGE mobile app or visit www.ebt.ca.gov/cardholder/.
Other Questions
Is SUN Bucks a public charge program?
No, getting SUN Bucks does not make you a public charge.
The public charge rule put into place in December 2022 is still in effect. Under this rule, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) do not consider health, food, and housing services as part of the public charge determination. SUN Bucks is a food benefit like CalFresh, school meals, and WIC. Using these government funded food benefits does not hurt your immigration status.
You can find more information about public charge at www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/refugees/public-charge. If you have questions about your immigration status or circumstances, consult with an immigration attorney.
What if I do not want SUN Bucks?
If you do not want your child to get SUN Bucks, call the SUN Bucks Helpline at (877) 328-9677.
If I get SUN Bucks, can I participate in other food assistance programs?
Yes, children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other food assistance programs, such as CalFresh and summer meal programs. Visit the Other Food Resources page for more information.
What if the food I bought with SUN Bucks was lost in a misfortune or disaster?
If your family was affected by a recent misfortune or disaster, such as a prolonged power outage or a fire, that resulted in ruined or lost food purchased with your SUN Bucks card, you may be eligible for a replacement of some of your SUN Bucks benefits. Call the SUN Bucks Helpline (877) 328-9677 to report your food loss.
Where can I find a site that serves actual meals in the summer?
Check the Summer Meal Programs website for California
Where can I apply for other food programs?
You can apply for CalFresh at: BenefitsCal.com
Where can I apply for other public assistance benefits, like health coverage and cash aid for families?
Applications for public assistance programs are processed by your local county social services office. You:
- Call: locate the address and telephone number here.
- Click: apply online at BenefitsCal.com.
- Come in: request a paper application from your local county social services office by phone or in person.
Date updated: February 20, 2026